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Abstract:

This thesis focuses on the career of William Conolly (1662-1729). Conolly’s origins are slightly obscure. He was bom in Ballyshannon Co. Donegal but his family’s background is unknown although he and his father were sufficiently important to be attainted by King James’ parliament in 1689. He received a legal training and following the Jacobite war he acted as agent to Londonderry Corporation. He also acted as collector of the king’s alnage in the 1690s, a position which introduced him into official circles. From 1692 onwards he sat in the Irish parliament, first for Donegal borough and from 1703 until his death for County Londonderry. Following the Williamite confiscation he emerged as the largest purchaser of forfeited estates, buying substantial estates in Counties Donegal, Kildare, Londonderry and Meath as well as smaller scattered estates across the country.